Break Free from Perfectionism and Burnout with Keren Eldad
Are you checking all the boxes—career, relationships, success—and still feeling restless, anxious, or like something’s missing? You’re not alone. So many women (and men) hit midlife and realize the picture-perfect life they worked so hard for doesn’t actually feel good. That’s where today’s guest, Keren Eldad (aka Coach Keren), comes in.
Keren is an internationally recognized executive coach who has worked with Olympians, CEOs, supermodels, and even Navy SEALs. She’s also the author of Gilded, a powerful book about breaking free from the emotional traps of perfectionism, burnout, and what she calls “the gilded cage.” In this episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, we dive deep into why so many high achievers feel stuck—and, more importantly, how to find true fulfillment.
If you’re ready to drop the hustle, embrace imperfection, and create a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on Instagram, keep reading (and definitely listen in).
Why Perfectionism Keeps Us Stuck
Perfectionism isn’t just about having high standards—it’s about the constant need to prove yourself, look perfect, and avoid mistakes at all costs. Keren explains that perfectionism is actually “the heart of codependency.” It’s the belief that everything has to look right for us to feel okay inside.
The problem? This mindset keeps us trapped. It leads to burnout, anxiety, restlessness, and that nagging feeling that life is just one big performance. Even when everything looks great on paper, we can still feel completely disconnected and miserable.
The Power of a Breakdown
Here’s the truth: Sometimes a breakdown is exactly what we need to wake up. Keren calls it “praying for a shitstorm”—because for many of us, nothing changes until the bottom falls out. Divorce, job loss, health scares, financial struggles… as painful as these moments are, they can also be the turning points that lead us to something better.
As we discuss in this episode, the key is learning to see breakdowns as breakthroughs. When everything falls apart, we finally get to rebuild in a way that feels authentic, peaceful, and true to who we are.
Embracing Imperfection (and Uncertainty)
One of the biggest challenges for perfectionists is learning to let go of control. Our brains are wired to avoid uncertainty—it’s part of how humans have survived for thousands of years. But when perfectionism kicks in, that instinct goes into overdrive, keeping us stuck in fear and avoidance.
Keren shares how we can rewire our minds to embrace uncertainty, stop self-sabotaging, and make peace with life’s inevitable messiness. As she puts it, “High standards are healthy. Perfectionism is toxic.” The difference? High standards don’t come with shame and self-punishment.
What You Will Learn
In this episode of The Midlife Makeover Show with Keren Eldad, you’ll discover:
- Why authenticity isn’t about proving yourself—it’s about dropping the lies and living in harmony
- How to spot the hidden signs of perfectionism and burnout
- Why breakdowns can be the best thing to ever happen to you
- The difference between healthy ambition and toxic perfectionism
- How to overcome cultural and societal expectations (and finally ask, “Do I even want this?”)
- Simple ways to retrain your brain, embrace uncertainty, and feel more at peace
Setting Start Building a Life That Feels Good
Midlife isn’t the end of your story—it’s the perfect time to rewrite it. As Keren reminds us, we still have plenty of time (and yes, we’re still pretty darn fabulous). The key is letting go of what no longer serves us, rewiring our mindset, and choosing a life that feels aligned and meaningful.
Ready to break free from the perfectionism trap? Tune in to the full conversation with Keren Eldad on The Midlife Makeover Show and start your journey toward a life that feels as good as it looks.
👉 Connect with Keren
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